battery dies when key is off

[ELK_HUN10]

I just read this today about the 99 Ranger. If you were describing an outboard motor boat, the problem would be the starter's. A circuit is closed that should not be and the starter tries to start the motor. The battery does not have enough juice, or the shaft the bendix spring is on is corroded. Starters draw a lot of juice and make the lights dim every time. That is how I check to see if a battery has enough juice. With the lights turned on and the starter engage, if the motor turns over like it should, then the battery is good. On my boat I just sprayed WD-40 on the starter shaft. That boat was used in the ocean so corrotion was a problem. I do not know the wiring on UtV's but if the wiring goes through a relay, that may be stuck in the on posiiton. Tapping the relay usually makes it work again. Disconnect the main wire that goes to the starter and your problem should go away. That is usually the biggest red wire on the battery. It is bettor if you can disconnect the wire that is on the starter. Then you will know exactly which circuit the problem is on. My RZR will not start untill I push on the brake pedal. So that circuit may also be a problem area. By disconnecting one wire at a time, you should be able to identify the circuit. Be sure to hook back up any wires you previously disconnected before you go to the next trouble shooting step. The 8 second time cycle is either a bull ride or the time for a circuit breaker to cool off. To elimnate the brake pedal, just push on it while the problem is cylcing. If the problem continues, it is not the brake circuit.

[BUCKHORN]

This also works using a test light in place of a meter.

[dratl2]

Has anyone installed a 2nd battery in a ranger? I have a 2008 xp700, am looking to install a 2nd battery (somewhere) and was wondering if any one has done it on their own? and what amp rating was their battery isolator, 100 or 200? I see a couple of kits with everything I need, but was looking to do it on my own. Any help?

[Campyman]

I too am looking at the possibility of putting 2nd batt on my 800xp efi, but I was told that a properly operating starter, alternator etc. That it could handle no matter what I added, extra lights, winch, compressor, etc.

[KRIEGHOFF]

I use my Ranger for shooting sporting clays where there is a lot of starting and stopping.

Had a problem with the stock battery running down at the end.

I removed the stock battery and installed a good gel car battery and that ended the problem.

There was storage box under the seat of my 2008 which we removed.

Built a shelf for the new battery to sit on and it works great! No more battery problems.

One of the best parts is if you would be out trail riding and had to replace the battery you could go to any auto parts stores to get a replacement.

[wwt2]

You can also pull your battery cable put your meter in line and read the amp draw. Then pull your fuses 1 at a time to see where your power is going that will at least tell you were to start looking. I installed a deer feeder solar panel right above my hood so that when it sits for a long time it stays charged ( I had a short that would run my batt. Down in about a week. But I found and fixed it). I left it on though. Keeps the batt full all the time and there cheap. Like $20